Effect of martial arts training on IL-6 and other immunological parameters among Trinidadian subjects.

Background: Persistent bouts of extended exercise and heavy training are associated with depressed immune cell function. It has recently been demonstrated that interleukin-6 (IL-6) is produced locally in contracting skeletal muscles and acts on a wide range of tissues. Larger amounts of IL-6 are produced in response to exercise than any other cytokines.